ruth.

Ruth is described as a woman of excellence by Boaz. Only two books of the Bible are titled after women, and Ruth is one of them. But the focus of the book is not completely on Ruth., Naomi is a central character. The book of Ruth portrays many important themes concerning woman, certain attributes of God, and securing the messianic line through David.

During the time that judges governed a great famine swept the land. Elimelech and Naomi sought refuge in Moab, a neighboring land. In this land their two sons acquired wives; Ruth and Orpah. After this the three men died leaving the three women to cope for themselves. Naomi decided to head toward her homeland after the famine ended. Part way home Naomi insists Ruth and Orpah return to their home land because there was nothing for them in a foreign land. Naomi’s bitterness showed as she asserted the two younger women at least had a chance at life because they were young, but she herself was old. At first both Orpah and Ruth refuse to go, but after much prodding by Naomi Orpah agrees to return home. Ruth however insists that she stays. “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth portrays her dedication to family at this point, as well as her conversion to worshipping the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In her homeland, Chemosh, was the god was worshipped. Her desire to stay with Naomi demonstrates her loyalty to family and desire for protection for Naomi’s god. In chapter 2 verse 12 Boaz asks God’s blessing upon Ruth. “May the Lord reward your work and your wages be full from the Lord, The God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge” (Ruth 2:12). Naomi returns to Bethlehem, with Ruth and no husband or sons, after 10 years of residing in Moab.

They return to Bethlehem during the time of the harvest. Ruth goes out into the fields and begins to pick up the left over grain stalks. Under Mosaic law the corners of fields were not harvested and also stalks that fell upon the ground were not to be picked up. This provided a means for the poor and hungry. This shows God’s provision and heart for the less fortunate. Ruth arrives at the fields of Boaz. As Boaz enters the scene he states, “May the Lord be with you” to his reapers and his reapers respond, “May the Lord bless you” (Ruth 2:4). The first words uttered from Boaz’s lips are ones which exemplify godliness towards his men. He inquires of Ruth, and finding out that she is related to Naomi he extends special care towards her. He instructs her to continue to glean from his fields, and that the reapers are to leave a little extra for her, and she can drink from the water his servants draw. Ruth returns home after a successful day of gleaning in the fields. Naomi finds out Ruth has stumbled upon the field of Boaz. Naomi is ecstatic and sees God’s sovereignty as Boaz is a close relative and could be the kinsman redeemer. Naomi had not informed Ruth of their close relative, Boaz. It was ‘by chance’ that Ruth had come across his field. Ruth continues to live w/ Naomi and glean in the fields of Boaz until the end of the harvest season.

During this time, a close relative could redeem certain things described in Leviticus 25. The kinsman redeemer could redeem a family member sold into slavery, land sold under economic pressures, and the family name. The parallel can be easily drawn to God as the necessary redeemer to fallen man, and redeeming man from slavery to sin. Boaz is the Christ figure within this book of Ruth, as he redeems the family name and the land which Naomi had to sell.

Naomi seeks to protect and provide for Ruth. She urges Ruth to approach Boaz during the night and lay at his feet as a sign of desire to be married. This was a custom in this age, to lay at the older mans feet so as to propose marriage. When Boaz awakens and notices a woman at his feet he replies, “Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence” (Ruth 3:11). Boaz and Ruth have integrity and reputations within the community. People know their character. Nothing immoral happens between the two of them even though they find themselves in a precarious position. Boaz remains gentle, and full of integrity, as he explains that another relative actually is in line to be the redeemer before him. He assures Ruth he will do as she asks, but he first must check with the other relative. As she arises he gives her gifts of barley which Ruth takes home to Naomi. “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out;” assure Naomi, “For the man will not rest until he has settled it today” (Ruth 3:18). This shows how Boaz was a man that gets done what he says he will get done. He is not merely a man of words, but of action.

Boaz goes up to the gate of the city where he finds the relative closer in line to redeem the land of Naomi. Boaz gently informs the man of his duties. At first the relative expresses his interest in the land, but when Boaz reminds him that he will also take Ruth as a wife, the relative backs down and allows Boaz to redeem both the land and the name. Boaz is to marry Ruth. Boaz follows all the ways of the law to acquire this land in a proper manner. He continues to reveal that he is a man of integrity. A son is born to Ruth, Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. This reveals the messianic line.
This book is about God’s provision and sovereignty. Even amidst the heartache, God did not abandon Ruth or Naomi. Ruth seemed destined to remain a widow when she decided to remain with Naomi. But God provides her with husband and child. Ruth enters into the genealogy of David, and the ultimate redeemer of mankind, Jesus Christ.

Ruth displays many characters of a virtuous woman. Comparisons can be made to the woman described in Proverbs 31. Dedication to family is exemplified in the life of Ruth when she decides to remain with Naomi instead of returning to her parents. Proverbs 31 describes a woman dedicated to her family. Ruth also is a hard worker as seen by her laboring in the fields of Boaz. “She rises also while it is still night…She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong” Proverbs 31:17. Ruth provides for Naomi as does the woman described in Proverbs. Ruth is dependent upon God to provide for her. Boaz expresses this in 2:12: “The God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” Proverbs describes the woman who fears the Lord as someone who is to be praised. Multiple times it is evident that Ruth’s reputation is known throughout the community as one of excellence. The same is said of the woman in Proverbs 31. Ruth is a godly woman who remains loyal to her God and family. She is the woman of Proverbs 31 fleshed out.

At first glance the story of Naomi and Ruth seems irrelevant and insignificant. But God takes two seemingly insignificant people (and woman), and reveals his character and chooses to use these woman to bring about the birth of the king of Israel.

what the heck is postmodernism?

POSTMODERNISM: A DEFINITION


Introduction

What is postmodernism? During a conversation this past week someone labeled me a ‘postmodernist’ with seemingly negative connotations. While the context of the comment was merely a playful bantering in which usually calls a mere smile or quiet laughter for response, with this assignment in mind I asked for clarification. Stunned, the guy was caught off guard and brushed it off like I should know exactly his meaning behind his reference to my being postmodern. It was actually a funny interaction for his intent to make me feel out of place ended with his face flushed and struggle to change the topic of conversation. Postmodernism is a label thrown around with a definition few agree. This paper will attempt to sort out a definition from the piles of ideas concerning this movement.
Definitions

An understanding of modernism needs to be addressed before tackling postmodernism. Both modernism and postmodernism can be identified as ways of thinking. Modernism reflects the emergence of thought that evolved during the Enlightenment period. Rationalism defined this era resulting in a strong emphasis on absolute truths and the exalting of sciences to provide answers. An idealistic attitude emerged from this era based upon the assumption that all questions could eventually be answered because of the wealth of information now available.
Postmodernism isn’t a straight rejection of the Enlightenment or modernist thought, but a reaction against the idealistic attitude exemplified. Postmodern thought steps back to view the whole, or bigger, picture and embrace what is deemed as the reality of the world. The thinking prevalent during the modern era could be seen as arrogant and controlling; a black and white mentality. Postmodernism doesn’t reject the concept of absolutes, but is simply a bit slower in asserting that the correct answer has been obtained. That is why postmodern thinking can be seen as a reaction against the negative impacts the black and white mentality of modernism. Postmodernism emphasis is placed upon culture, time, experience, interpretation, etc. With all the differing components the postmodern thinker incorporates, it is it is nearly impossible to assert their thinking is the only correct when a myriad of ideas exist.
Postmodernism views relationships as essential. Different people with different experiences and backgrounds bring different ideas to the table. This increases the ideas and slows down the assertion of one truth. The modernist thinking emphases is upon right belief and elimination of error, and can thus (not intentionally) come across as cold and alienating. Postmodernist thought is laid upon the foundation that some questions may never be met with suitable answers and the concept of mystery is embraced.

Conclusion
It must be noted that postmodernism and modernism are not to be set against each other with one emerging superior. They are merely schools of thoughts and attempts at labeling broad westernized world views. It would be easy to choose a side and deem one way of thinking is superior to the other but this would prove worthless. By looking at the characteristics of modernity it is easier to understand the history behind the emergence and prevalence of postmodern thought.


check out: emerging church. DA Carson.

chronicles. importance of priests.

The first and second book of Chronicles places emphasis upon the Davidic covenant and temple practices. Jewish exiles could benefit from these writings as they depict God’s authority over the nation of Israel. Despite certain failures of Israel’s past, God would remain faithful to his people and bless them. The first part of 1 Chronicles depicts different genealogies of Israel’s history. Then the book goes on to describe the nation under the leadership of three different kings: Saul, David and Solomon. Second Chronicles begins by summarizing the monarchy of Judah when the kingdom was divided. The last part of Chronicles deals with the release of Judah after the 70 years of captivity. God will remain faithful to his covenants. The Jews in exile returned to the land promised to Abraham. A king would be raised to fulfill the covenant made with David. Throughout the entire Old Testament one theme is continual reiterated: Obedience results in God’s blessing, while disobedience results in God’s wrath. The history chronicled in these books paints a picture clearly of this particular theme. Especially when studying the priests and their duties. This paper will examine the different priests and the positive actions that are portrayed throughout first and second Chronicles.

A large portion within the two books of Chronicles describe the building of the temple in Jerusalem. David began the work before handing over the assignment to his son, and future king, Solomon. The temple took nearly seven years to complete. It was the center of worship for the Israelites for many generations. True knowledge of God was passed on from generation to generation by strictly adhering to the law. The temple symbolized God’s presence with his people, and also served as reminder to the significance of sin. Prayer was an important component of the temple as well. Priests were given charge of upholding and adhering to the laws. When the ark of the covenant was taken into the temple, many priests were present to secure the correct movement of the ark (2 Chronicles 5-11) as laid out in prior commandments.

The Levites were the priests of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 23 it states the numbers and offices of different Levites. The census showed the number of men to be 38,000. Of this number King David appointed 24,000 to oversee the work of the Lord, 6,000 as officers and judges, and 4,000 as musicians to sing and play music to the Lord (1 Chronicles 23:3-5). Solomon maintained these divisions. “Now according to the ordinance of his father David, he appointed the division of the priests for their service, and the Levites for their duties of praise and ministering before the priests according to the daily rule, and the gatekeepers by their divisions at every gate; for David the man of God had so commanded. And they did not depart from the commandment of the king to the priests and Levites in any manner or concerning the storehouses” (2 Chronicles 8:14-15). The Levites obeyed the commands given them by David and Solomon, but more importantly upheld the law expanded upon in the book of Leviticus.

The priests played a vital role in moving the ark into the temple. “Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, into the inner sanctuary of he house, to the holy of holies, under the wings of the cherubim” (2 Chronicles 5:5). The priests adhered to the strict guidelines depicted in Numbers 4:1-49 for moving the ark. In 1 Chronicles 13 Uzza is struck dead as he reaches out to steady the ark as it is moved by David’s orders. Therefore, the fact the ark is moved into the temple without fatalities exemplifies the meticulousness of the Levites in following guidelines.

After the death of Solomon a civil war rises amongst the nation of Israel. Abijah is king over Judah, and Jeroboam has authority over Israel. In chapter 13 of 2 Chronicles Abijah addresses Jeroboam stating that God is on their side because Jeroboam has removed the levitical priests who follow the letters of the law, and have replaced them with false priests. Of Judah, Abijah states: “But as for us, the Lord Is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to the Lord as priests, and the Levites attend to their work” (2 Chronicles 13:10). Abijah goes on to describe how the priests of Judah accomplish their duties of offering burnt sacrifices and incense. A warning is given against Jeroboam and Israel not to attack for surely God will favor Judah for they kept God’s commands. Jeroboam does not listen and ambushes Judah. The priests of Abijah sound their horns and victory is given to Judah on that day. The priests are in charge of keeping the law. Obedience is blessed by God, and disobedience unleashes God’s wrath. This consistent theme of the Old Testament is portrayed clearly in chapter 13 of second Chronicles.

Asa succeeded Abijah as ruler over Judah. Asa is portrayed as a good ruler as he rids the land of foreign altars and sacred pillars as was commanded by God. Asa “commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to observe the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4). For Judah to observe the law and commandment, priests were needed. They were a key component of obedience. “For many days Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought him, and he let them find him” (2 Chronicles 15:3). Without priests it was difficult to be obedient to the law.

During Jehoshaphat’s reign, teachers of the law were sent out amongst the people. These included Levites: “They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of the Lord with them; and they went throughout all the cities of Judah and taught among the people” (2 Chronicles 17:7). Jehoshaphat also instituted certain reforms in the land appointing some of the Levites and priests to judge disputes in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 19:8).

The priests had been scattered throughout the area of Judah (2 Chronicles 11:13-14). But in the seventh reign of Athaliah, Jehoiada gathers the Levites from the small cities of Judah to the city of Jerusalem. Jehoiada had been the head priest, and was the leader of the priests under David at Hebron. After the death of Ahaziah, Athaliah (his mother) murderd all the royal offspring so she would inherit the throne. However, Jehoiada had hidden the last offspring of David, Joash. The child was kept in hiding for six years during the reign of Athaliah. The death of Joash would result in the destruction of the messianic line. But after six years, the time had come for Joash to be placed upon the throne. Jehoiada gathers the priests scattered throughout the land and brings them to Jerusalem. He commands the priests to allow no one to enter the house of the Lord, and arms the surrounding men with armor and weapons of King David. The crown is placed upon Joash’s head and he is pronounced King (2 Chronicles 23). Jehoiada was the head priest, and had been the leader of the priests at Hebron under David. He continues to implement reforms throughout the land. Idols and altars are destroyed and images are torn down. “Jehoiada placed the offices of the house of the Lord under the authority of the Levitical priests, whom David had assigned over the house of the Lord, as it is written in the law of Moses-with rejoicing and signing according to the order of David. He stationed the gatekeepers of the house of the Lord, so that no one would enter who was in any way unclean” (2 Chronicles 23:18-19). Jehoiada influenced the young King Joash as well. “Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest” (2 Chronicles 24:2). God worked through Jehoiada in powerful ways to draw his people back unto himself.

Hezekiah reigned from 715-686BC. Hezekiah “did right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done” (2 Chronicles 29:2). The first months of his reign were focused upon the spiritual downfalls of previous leaders. Hezekiah repairs the temple and gathers the priests and Levites together and initiates reforms throughout the land. He orders the priests to consecrate themselves, and to right the wrongs down under the previous rulers so that God’s favor will once again rest upon his people. Chapter 29 of 2 Chronicles depicts the extent to which many aspects of the temple are consecrated by the priests under the order of Hezekiah. After the extensive cleansing of the temple, worship is restored to the temple as Hezekiah offers sacrifices to the Lord God under the direction of the priests. The priests also worship the Lord through music during the sacrifice as directed by Hezekiah (and initially begun by David).

The kings after Hezekiah did not follow in God’s ways. They rebuilt the idols that had been destroyed and did not follow in Hezekiah’s ways. King Josiah was the next king to seek and follow in the steps of David and fear the Lord. During the reign of Josiah the temple was being restored. During this Hilkiah discovers the book of the law of Moses. Josiah is upset as the commands have not been followed. He gathers all the people, priests, and Levities around him and reads the book of the covenant before them. Josiah makes a covenant to keep his commandments and follow his statutes with all his heart and soul. All the people gathered also make the same covenant. Josiah places the priests in their offices and gives them orders to obey the commands given to them.

The priests and Levites played a strategic role in the rise and fall of Judah and Israel. Whenever a king was seeking to obey God’s commands the priests were ordered to the temple and to consecrate themselves and do their duties. Under corrupt kings they were scattered throughout the land. While the kings appeared fickle (some good and some bad) the priests and Levites remained steadfast in keeping the law whenever called upon or allowed. The priests were a key factor throughout the history of Israel as they kept the law and commands.

leviticus .... sum up of first few chapters.

Leviticus is the third book of Law and contains instructions for sacrifices and offerings to be offered in the temple. Sacrifices had been offered to God prior to the law being given to Moses. But this book gives specific instructions as to how sacrifices should be offered. The book addresses many responsibilities of the priests (Levites) and partly where the name is derived from. The first seven chapters of Leviticus describe five different sacrifices to be offered. The main emphasis throughout the book of Leviticus is purity. It emphasizes God’s holiness, and God’s desire for the chosen nation of Israel to be holy.
God gives specific instructions to his people in Leviticus 1:1-6:7. God speaks to Moses and tells him to “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘when any man of you brings an offering to the Lord…” (Lv. 1:2). As revealed from this passage, the instructions found within these specific verses are for the ‘lay people’ as opposed to the priests. The first three sacrifices described here are voluntary. Burnt offerings are described in 1:1-17, grain offerings are described in 2:1-16, and peace offerings are described in 3:1-17. The next two described sacrifices are compulsory. Sin offerings are described in 4:1-5:13, and guilt offerings are described in 5:14-6:7.
Burnt offerings are mentioned first most likely because they were to be offered the most frequently. According to Numbers 28 this type of sacrifice was to be offered every morning and evening, every Sabbath, and for special feasts. A male animal without defect should be chosen for this sacrifice. The sacrifice was to serve as an atonement for the sin of the one offering the sacrifice (v. 4). Atonement means to reconcile. Thus, the one sacrificing the animal is seeking to reconcile himself to God. He would place his hand on the animals head to signify the transfer of sin onto the animal. Therefore the one offering the sacrifice would be reconciled to God. The offering signified the repentance and obedience to God and his word. This type of sacrifice needed to be made everyday because it only temporarily eliminated sin. Hebrews 10:8-9 discusses how God does not desire the offerings of animals, and how Jesus came as the final sacrifice.
Grain offerings are discussed next in chapter 2. These instructions again are given to the lay person. Detailed descriptions are given as to how different grain offerings can be offered. Fine flour can be offered if oil and frankincense are poured atop. Baked flour could be offered as well, and detailed instructions as to how unleavened bread should be baked are found in verses 4-13. One additional way grain could be offered is directly from the harvest. Instructions for this type of offering are found in verses 14-16. This type of sacrifice was different than the burnt sacrifices in that it provided the priests themselves with food. The priests were allowed to eat the unburned part of the sacrifice (v. 3). While the burnt offering was to signify atonement, the grain offering was more of a dedication of oneself to God’s purpose.
The peace offering is described next in chapter 3. This offering is referred as the peace offering for it is to provide reconciliation and fellowship. This chapter includes detailed instructions as to how specific animals should be sacrificed. While the burnt sacrifice could only be a male; the peace offering could be male or female (v 1). The animal should be slayed outside the tent and the blood sprinkled around the altar. The same protocol for symbolically transferring sin to the animal is given in verse 2. “He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering.” The text continues with specifics on which parts of the animal should be offered to God, and which were to be kept. While the burnt offering and grain offering were offered as merely an aroma to God, the peace offering was offered as food (v. 11).
The sin offering is the first of the compulsory offerings. “If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them, if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer to the Lord a bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed” (4:2-3). A sacrifice was required if this instance of unintentional sin occurred. The following verses (4:1-5:13) describe the details as to how the sacrifice should be handled.
Guilt offerings are the second compulsory sacrifice. The specifics behind the guilty offerings are described in Leviticus 5:14-6:7. While all sin is ultimately against God, some more directly affect others.
“When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the Lord, and deceives his companion in regard to a deposit or a security entrusted to him, or through robbery, or if he has extorted from his companion, or has found what was lost and lied about it and sworn falsely, so that he sins in regard to any one of the things a man may do; then it shall be, when he sins and becomes guilty…” Leviticus 6:2.

Guilt offerings and sin offerings were obligatory when a wrong was knowingly committed. The other sacrifices were voluntary and depended upon the conviction of the one offering the sacrifice. In the sin and guilt offerings a decision on the need of a sacrifice was not needed. It was given.

The specific instructions for the priests (Levites) for sacrifices are given in Leviticus 6:8-7:38. These verses explain the five different offerings but are directed towards the priests. The burnt offering is described 6:8-13, the grain offering in 6:14-23, the sin offering in 6:24-30, the Peace offerings in 7:11-36. It describes how the burnt offering needs to be completed burnt and may take an entire night (6:9). The text goes on to explain how the ashes of the burnt offering should be disposed (6:11). The fire on the altar was to never go out (6:13). It also describes what the priests could eat specifically from the sacrifice (6:26).
The text is extremely comprehensive on how sacrifices and offerings should be handled. Leviticus 7:37-38 serves as a summary to the previous seven chapters: “This is the law of the burnt offering, the grain offering and the sin offering and the guilt offering and the ordination offering and the sacrifice of peace offerings, which the Lord commanded Moses at Mount Sinai in the day that he commanded the sons of Israel to present their offerings to the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai.” Not a lot of reasoning is given behind why it is to be handled in such a fashion, the text is more bent towards obedience. Sacrifices were to be offered in worship to God, not out of obligation. Even from the first few chapters of Leviticus the holiness and purity which God expects of his people is evident. There seems to be no room for mistakes or lapses in obedience. The detail to which the sacrifices are laid are incredible. First instructions described to all peoples, and then specific instructions to priests as to how to handle specifics of the sacrifice.

application of Joshua.

God promised Joshua the land and victory over its inhabitants. “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you…No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:3, 5). God promises to be with Joshua. He promises victory over the inhabitants of the land. So, why does Joshua send out spies to the land? Does he not trust God’s provision and so he takes matters into his own hand? Why didn’t Joshua just go into the land? Does this action exemplify Joshua’s lack of trust in God? Does he lack faith in God’s words? No, it appears not.
This is not the first time spies have been sent prior to a military engagement. Moses sent the twelve spies (Joshua and Caleb were two of the men) to the promised land to scope it out. It appears that Joshua was following in Moses footsteps. Joshua had caught some leadership qualities from Moses.
While God had promised to provide, and Joshua trusted and believed this whole-heartedly, the means by which this would be accomplished were not clear. Joshua needed to do his part and gather enough information about the lay out of the land to develop a plan of attack. The fact that Joshua sent spies out doesn’t display a lack of trust in God’s promise for deliverance. Joshua needed to wisely use the resources God had provided for him and as a wise military leader Joshua had to gather certain information about his enemy.
As Christians it’s easy to sit back and use the excuse that you’re waiting God. But, God isn’t going to hold our hands through life. He didn’t tell Joshua exactly how to go about things militarily. Joshua had to rely upon what he knew; resources given to him. God had raised Joshua up as a leader under Moses. He had the Israelites in support of his leadership. Joshua had been trained as a solider. Joshua was faithful with the resources he had. He knew the promise was assured, but he had to work it out himself.
I don’t want to wait for God to hold my hand through life. I need to be aware of the resources that God has provided for me to accomplish what he desires of me in this life. What kind of training have I been provided? What resources are at my fingertips? And how can I use these tools to accomplish what God has already promised? What direction is God leading me? What would he have for me to accomplish in life? I see times in my life when I have waited for God to provide the exact means. But, I am responsible for my part. I must use the resources God has given me, to accomplish what he desires of me.
A prime example of this is the desire people have to ‘do missions.’ I have known people who express their strong passion to go overseas, but no one has knocked on their doors begging for them to come. It will take much dedication and work if you decide to serve overseas. God isn’t going to simply hold your hand through the entire process.
I will be more aware of this as I continue to seek the niche in which I feel God can use me and the gifts he has blessed me with. It is important to know the resources that God has provided his children. When God calls me to something and I am certain of what God desires, I will seek to do what he would have for me. I will not feel badly about not knowing exactly how to go about, but will trust the outcome is certain though the way is murky.

joshua. a paper i wrote.

Imagine attempting to replace the most prominent leader of a nation. Joshua faced this situation as he overtook Moses leadership of the nation of Israel. After Moses died, the Lord instructed Joshua to lead the Israeli people across the Jordan river into the land promised to Abraham in Genesis 12. While the book of Joshua is named after this historic and godly leader, it is important to stress how the book is a retelling of God’s fulfilled promise. The first twelve chapters of Joshua describe the commissioning of Joshua, and the subsequent entrance into the Promised Land.
The book of Joshua opens with God commissioning Joshua to service, and then an encouragement specifically for Joshua, and then Joshua’s acceptance of leadership. God’s charge to Joshua is specific: “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel” (Joshua 1:2). The land referred to in this statement is the land promised in Genesis 12 to Abraham. The text continues to specifically describe the land which will be possessed. In verse 5 it states: “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” While the land is promised to Joshua and the Israelites, men will stand in front of their acquiescence of the land. However, no man will be able to stand. God secures victory here. He also gives Joshua encouragement as he restates that he will never fail or forsake him. “Be strong and courageous” urges the Lord, “For you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers.” God encourages Joshua for the task which has been set before him. This is seen as the commissioning of Joshua. A specific commissioning of leaders is characteristic of the great leaders portrayed in the bible. This passage is no different. As a leader, Joshua inevitably questioned his ability and right to lead these people (or others perhaps questioned). With such an authority given to Joshua to lead the Israeli people, it’s simply difficult to refute his God given position of leadership. Joshua was able to reflect upon these words spoken to him from God. These words commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous and to trust God’s presence is with him wherever he goes (Joshua 1:9).
Joshua assumes command of the people and sends spies to search the layout of the land. The two spies find refuse in Rahab, a prostitutes, house. She helps the two men hide from the authorities and escape safely back to Joshua. The spies carry pertient information back to Joshua which aids the people in the conquest of the land. In return, Rahab, and all in her household, were granted safety when the city is sacked by the Israel people.
Prior to the crossing of the Jordan two important steps are taken by the Israelites. First, is the security of the Ark of the Covenant. This ark symbolized God’s presence, and was transported by the Levites. Possession of this land was not with their own strength, but with the strength provided by God as represented in the ark. God went before them as their source of victory. The second step taken was the personal consecration of the people. The word ‘consecrate’ means to set apart as holy, to be clean, or to dedicate. Joshua’s reasoning behind the ordering of the peoples consecration is because, “…the Lord will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3:5). This again points to the preeminence given to the work the Lord will accomplish amongst them, and not of what they themselves can accomplish. Once the God dries up the Jordan river, allowing the Israelites to pass through unscathed, God orders the circumcision of the people. This act is done post-river crossing and pre-military campaign. All men of the previous generation circumcised as a sign of the Abrahamic Covenant had died, thus the new generation was uncircumcised. It would seem most wise (in our human minds) to take the advantage of the enemies surprise of the river crossing and to attack immediately. Instead, time is taken to complete the procedure of circumcision on all men, as well as time for recovery. This again shows that our ways are not God’s ways. Much trust had to be placed upon God’s promise to possess the land. For to many it would have seemed wise to attack the enemy while they were least expecting. Again, trust and dependency is placed upon God, and taken off the people themselves.
The next few chapters describe the conquering of the Promised Land. The central campaign is delineated 6:1-85, the southern campaign described in 9:1-10:43, the northern campaign is discussed in 11:1-15, and then the conquests are summarized in 11:16-12:24.
Jericho is perhaps the most well known conquest to the average Christian in America today. The destruction of Jericho is described in chapter six of the book of Joshua. Jericho was a fortified city with a double ring of protective walls. “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and the valiant warriors.” This is the promise of God. Further instructions were given to march around the cities wall once a day for six consecutive days. On the seventh day they were instructed to march around the city seven times but to blow trumpets and shout the Lord’s victory over the city. The Israelites do as instructed under Joshua’s leadership. Jericho is given into their hands, and Rahab and all in her household are saved as promised.
Chapter seven describes the defeat of Israel at Ai. Prior to the conquest of Jericho, God gives specific instructions that everything within the city belongs to the Lord. All the silver, gold and articles of bronze were to go into the treasury of the Lord. What should have been an easy victory for the Israelites is met with defeat because of disobedience to God’s commands. Achan had sequestered articles strictly forbidden by God. This sin within the Israeli people caused the death of many. Joshua was distraught at the defeat, and much effort was taken to seek out the one within the community who had brought this defeat upon all the people. Achan and all his family were stoned to death because they were guilty of disobeying God. God continues to guide his people in chapter eight as he assures their victory against the Amorites in verse one. Victory is obtained in chapter eight. Unlike Jericho, the Israelites are now able to take the spoils from this city for their own personal usage. Achan had just been killed for the same action a few days prior. The seemingly small difference is the action was forbidden by God when Achan acted, but now permissible by God’s commands. It appears to be insignificant difference, but obedience is everything.
Word spread throughout the land of Israel and their God. They had defeated two major strongholds. Anxious, the Gibeonites came forward and deceptively sought to establish a covenant with Joshua. The Gibeonites pretended they were from a far land, when in actuality they were from the land promised to Israel. Joshua hastily establishes a covenant without seeking God’s counsel first. God had instructed Israel to eliminate all peoples within the land, but a covenant was established with the Gibeonites to allow them to live. This placed Joshua in a difficult position. “Why have you deceived us?” he asks the Gibeonites. “Now therefore, you are cursed, and you shall never cease being slaves, both hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of God” (Joshua 9:23).
A plot is developed by five different kings to attack Gibeon because they had made a covenant with Israel. “Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, saying, “do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites that live in the hill country have assembled against us” (Joshua 10:6). The Lord tells Joshua to not fear because victory is assured. Joshua and his army marched and fought at Gideon. As the armies were fleeing from the Israelites, large hailstones came from heaven and killed many men. The five kings of the attacking armies hid in the cave at Makkedah: King of Jerusalem, King of Hebron, King of Jarmuth, King of Lachish and King of Eglon. Joshua killed each of these kings, and also defeated each area in which they ruled.
The book of Joshua depicts the specific ways in which God delivered Israel the Promised Land. Much effort was put forth by Joshua and all of Israel. They adhered to the guiding commands of God. The promise was secure, but they had to follow through with the specific commands. God is interested in the obedience of his people first and foremost. Not a blind obedience. But, a trust that God is who he says he is, and he will do what he says he will do. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” (Joshua 1:9). Strength and assurance rests ultimately upon God. It is not of our own strength, but of what God provides.